is it even worth it?

[genyslp]

Hey guys! I'm in the process of finishing up my first 5 coursework for SLP. I will be done by the end of this semester. I should *hopefully* end off with a 3.7+. I'm involved with the department in terms of volunteer work - I'm within the board of our student speech and hearing organization at my university. I've organized events and volunteered at departmental events. I've shadowed a bit, volunteered at two schools in my district for the past. I haven't volunteered in a hospital *YET*, but that is in the works. I also have met some of the staff in the CSD department at my school - they know who I am. I'm also bilingual and my school places a huge emphasis on being able to speak another language. I'm sure that will help a lot.

Recently I found out that I could apply to the fall 2016 program for my university without having finished all 10 of the foundation coursework. This is how it works: as long as by the time fall 2016 hit, I was graduated with the rest of the courses, then I could start with the program. At the time of my application, they would look at the first 5 classes of mine and make my admissions decision based off of that. 

The university I go to is SUPER close to my home. Originally, I was planning on graduating in fall of 2016, taking my sweet time preparing for the GRE and racking up my volunteer hours before I applied for the fall 2017 cycle. I wanted to make my application as best as it could be and not rush anything.... but... Is it even worth it to wait a whole YEAR to apply when I could start as soon as possible?

The university super close to my home only has fall admissions. I was thinking of applying to other universities in my area that have winter 2016 admissions - but - the closest one WITH winter admissions takes 40 minutes to get to. I REALLY want to go to the university I'm already in, the only downfall is that if I skip the 2016 cycle, I'll have to wait until 2017 to apply. That's a long time! 

I don't want to rush taking the GRE, but I feel like I can prepare for it from now, take it late December, start volunteering rigorously for the last two months before I apply for the 2016 cycle.... 

what do you think? is it even worth it? should I just wait until 2017? or should I go ahead and take the leap and apply for 2016? my sister told me I have nothing to lose (well, technically I do because the GRE requires $$$$ and I don't want my first try to be bad) and applying costs money too. If I'm not the best applicant I want to be, is it worth it?

 

Advice???

 

 

 

 

Edited October 21, 2015 by lebslp

[slporbust2016]

Definitely! The only thing you might be out is the GRE fee, but if you end up taking it again, it will probably help you know what to study for the next time. I'd go for it. Good luck!